Who should be next Minnesota GOP chair?

Minnesota GOP party chairman Tony Sutton resigned abruptly two weeks ago amid criticism of his his leadership and a rising party debt. Getting the party back on track will be crucial for the next leader.

Former state Rep. Mike Osskopp is well perched to take advantage. He announced via Twitter on Thursday night that he's seeking the state party's top post. Osskopp served four terms in the House representing Lake City. More recently he worked as U.S. Rep. John Kline's district director and now runs a government affairs firm.

Another possible strong challenger is veteran GOP strategist Pat Shortridge. His recent resume includes working on U.S. Senate runs by Marco Rubio and Dino Rossi. Shortridge also served as chief of staff and campaign manager for former U.S. Rep. Mark Kennedy. He was previously weighing a run for party chair, but opted to back Sawalich. Shortridge tells PIM that he is once again seriously considering the contest. "I've had pretty strong encouragement to do it," he says.

Terry McCall, chair of the GOP in the Second Congressional District, would also draw significant support if he decides to run. He's vice chair of the party's Liberty Caucus and has significant backing from the libertarian wing of the GOP base. As of Thursday afternoon, McCall was still weighing a candidacy. One potential hurdle: he would be looking to draw from a similar geographic base as Osskopp.

Then there's current deputy chair Kelly Fenton. During an appearance on TPT's Almanac on Friday, she conspicuously did not rule out a bid for the party's top post. A Facebook page encouraging a Fenton candidacy has been created, but as of Monday afternoon it had attracted just three "like" votes.

The only announced candidate remains Todd McIntyre, who is not well known among GOP activists. Conservative talk show host Sue Jeffers also continues to make noise about a possible bid.

One possible void in the field: a strong anti-gambling candidate. It seems likely that someone representing that flank of the GOP base could still emerge.

Some activists were hoping to get a definite word from Fenton as to whether she'd seek the job.

Republicans are expected to pick their next chairman December 31 in St. Cloud.

About Paul Tosto

Paul Tosto writes the Big Story Blog for MPR News. He joined the
newsroom in 2008 after more than 20 years reporting on education,
politics and the economy for news wires and newspapers across the
country.